How Do I Know If I Have Scoliosis?

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While you might think a glance in the mirror could tell you if your spine is curved instead of straight, you’ll want to visit your doctor if you suspect you have scoliosis. Symptoms might include uneven shoulders and/or hips, trouble standing up straight, numbness or pain in the legs, or a bump in the lower back.

Your doctor will talk to you about your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam.

How Is the Exam Done?

As you stand with your arms relaxed by your side, your doctor will see if your shoulders or waist seem uneven. Of course, she’ll also look closely at your back.

Your scoliosis exam will likely include what’s called the “Adam’s forward bend test.” Your doctor will ask you to lean over. She’ll stand behind you as you bend to check how even your back appears. Anything that looks abnormal in the back or ribcage -- like a hump -- might be a sign of scoliosis.

If your spine is curved, your doctor may use a tool called a scoliometer to estimate its angle. To see the curve more clearly, she’ll order standing X-rays of your spine from the back and from the side. These images can be used to accurately measure the degree of your backbone’s curve.

Your doctor will tell you that you have scoliosis if your curve is greater than 10 degrees. Doctors classify angles of 25 to 35 degrees as significant, while those that are more than 50 degrees are severe.

In addition to X-rays, your doctor may ask for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This could show if a tumor or cyst is the cause of the scoliosis.

Testing at Schools

Students may be screened for scoliosis at school, typically using the Adam’s forward bend test.

But this practice has become controversial. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends against routine scoliosis tests. The reason, in part, is because the cases found at schools are often low-risk and don’t require treatment like braces or surgery.

But be aware that spinal curves can change during adolescent growth spurts. If your child’s curve measures between 5 and 9 degrees, schedule another exam in 6 months.

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Adult Scoliosis Tests

When you have back pain or numbness if your legs, your doctor may test for degenerative scoliosis. She’ll ask questions about where it hurts and if anything makes the pain better or worse. She’ll also look closely at your spine, shoulders, and hips as you stand and move. You may be asked to lean forward or from side to side.

X-rays to test for degenerative scoliosis need to show all parts of the spine, as well as your hips and pelvis. Your doctor will examine the images for alignment, curvature, and balance.

If you had idiopathic scoliosis in the past, you may have more problems with it as an adult than you did as a teen. Your doctor might get a new set of X-rays to measure any changes to your spine’s curve. If you have leg pain or an atypical curve pattern, your doctor could order an MRI to show detailed information about your back’s disks and nerves.